San Diego psych rockers Earthless finally returned to the west coast on Tuesday night as part of their Australian run of shows. Considered one of the best live bands going around, tonight was yet another stellar performance that makes you truly appreciate the art of live performances and the creative aspects of being a true live band.
As to be expected, tonight had a relaxed atmosphere with an underlying expectation that a band like Earthless brings. After rave reviews from some of their previous shows so far, things were looking to be a fantastic night of music and kicking things off were local rockers Giant Dwarf who were a great band to start the night off. Energetic set as always, the band showcased some blazing riffs and grooves that certainly got heads bopping and feet tapping. The crowd were a little reluctant to move in to the dance floor but those who were there certainly appreciated the great performance early on.
Datura4 have been a staple in the Perth in the local music scene for a number of years now and always deliver the goods, tonight being no different. Electrifying set with the crowd building through-out the set, many keen to catch the 5 piece who brought some real swagger in their blues-infused rock sound. If ever there was a perfect band to support an act like Earthless, Datura4 ticked all the boxes, it was the right crowd and the right atmosphere for all of it to gel together, the band taking the opportunity to really open the doors wide for everyone to soak in the brilliant boogie-rock style complete with on-point musicianship on display. The band are heading over east for a string of shows so do yourselves a favor and catch them live, you won’t be disappointed.
The three piece psych outfit known as Earthless rolled up after a quick interchange to kick off their journey with us in tow! Focusing primarily on their latest release “Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons” complete with the extravagant song lengths the band are known for, it was a slow easing into the set with mellow soundscapes kicking things off before blasting into part 1 of the monumental epicness of the new album.
Of course no Earthless show is complete without the improvised variations of their studio recordings, with the band going on so many tangents that simply add to the whole experience. Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell completely went off on the guitar tonight, and it showed in the many expressions on his face as he went to work on those strings together with drummer Mario Rubalcaba holding the beat down behind the kit and bassist Mike Eginton providing the massive rhythm on the low ends. It was simply mesmerizing to watch these guys sit right in that pocket and just jam out as if we were privy to some magical jam session at an open rehearsal studio.
Every Earthless show is different, having seen them several times now it’s always a juggernaut of an experience and Earthless hit it out of the park tonight, plain and simple. The really great thing having seen them since their debut run is seeing their audience build and build over the years establishing themselves well in Australia and for good reason, they are well and truly one of the greatest live bands to ever watch. While their records are obviously fantastic, it’s their live show that sells this band. Go see them live where you can!
Photos by Linda Dunjey Photography | Review by Andrew Massie
